Cranberry-Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Celebrate the warmth of the season with this delightful Cranberry-Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash. Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish features sweet and tart fillings nestled in the tender, nutty flesh of acorn squash. The combination of stewed apples and the pop of dried cranberries brings a burst of flavor, while the delicate hint of cinnamon envelopes each bite in comfort. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, creating an atmosphere of rustic charm. This recipe not only nourishes the body with wholesome ingredients, but it also touches the soul, reminding us of the beauty of togetherness over a shared meal. It’s an uplifting addition to any Shabbat dinner or autumn feast, and a delicious way to embrace seasonal produce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
2 (Cut in half and seeds removed)
Boiling Water
As needed (To fill baking dish)
Apples
2 (Peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces)
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (None)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Grapeseed Oil
2 tablespoons (For mixing with stuffing (can substitute with butter if not dairy-free))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp and seeds using a spoon, ensuring to keep the squash intact.
3
Place the squash halves, cut-side down, in a large glass baking dish.
4
Pour in a quarter-inch of boiling water (or use room temperature apple juice for added sweetness) into the dish around the squash.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6
While the squash is baking, prepare the stuffing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and grapeseed oil. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
7
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the squash from the oven and gently turn each half over.
8
Generously fill the center of each squash half with the apple and cranberry mixture.
9
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the squash flesh is tender and the apples are soft.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Cranberry-Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, a festive autumn recipe.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need 2 acorn squash, boiling water or apple juice, 2 apples, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses squash, fruit, and oil.
Can vegetarians eat this stuffed acorn squash?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the acorn squash before baking?
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp and seeds using a spoon.
How long should the squash bake initially?
The squash halves should bake cut-side down for 30 minutes before stuffing.
What liquid do I add to the baking dish?
You should add a quarter-inch of boiling water or apple juice to the dish around the squash.
Can I use something other than water for extra sweetness?
Yes, you can use room temperature apple juice instead of water in the baking dish.
How do I prepare the apples for the stuffing?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces.
What type of oil is recommended for the filling?
Grapeseed oil is recommended for mixing with the stuffing.
Can I substitute the grapeseed oil with dairy?
Yes, you can substitute the oil with butter if you do not need the dish to be dairy-free.
What ingredients make up the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing consists of chopped apples, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and grapeseed oil.
How do I ensure the apples are properly seasoned?
Mix the chopped apples with the other stuffing ingredients in a large bowl until they are evenly coated.
When do I add the stuffing to the squash?
Add the stuffing after the initial 30 minutes of baking, once you have turned the squash halves over.
How much stuffing should I put in each squash?
You should generously fill the center of each squash half with the apple and cranberry mixture.
How long is the second baking period?
The stuffed squash should bake for an additional 30-35 minutes.
How can I tell if the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is done when the squash flesh is tender and the apples in the stuffing are soft.
Is this recipe appropriate for Shabbat dinner?
Yes, it is described as an uplifting addition to any Shabbat dinner or autumn feast.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features sweet and tart fillings with the nutty flesh of acorn squash and hints of warm cinnamon.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and uses wholesome seasonal produce.
How many acorn squashes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 acorn squashes, which results in 4 halves.
What type of cinnamon should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What size should the apple pieces be?
The apples should be chopped into small 1/4 inch pieces.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe specifically calls for dried cranberries, which provide a different texture and sweetness than fresh ones.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do I bake the squash face up or face down first?
You start by placing the squash halves cut-side down in the baking dish.
What type of baking dish should I use?
A large glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for autumn gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically designed for festive gatherings, autumn feasts, and seasonal celebrations.
What gives the dish its rustic charm?
The combination of seasonal produce, the aroma of cinnamon, and the presentation of the stuffed squash creates a rustic charm.